Instructions for the safe use of:
Eyebolts
The information in this leaflet should be passed to the user of the equipment
This document is issued in accordance with the requirements of
Section 6 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974,
amended March 1988. It outlines the care and safe use of
EYEBOLTS and is based on Section 19 of the LEEA Code of
Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment.* It should be
read in conjunction with the requirements for general purpose
slinging practice given overleaf, the principles of which may be
applied to the use of eyebolts with or without slings.
This information is of a general nature only covering the main
points for the safe use of eyebolts which comply with BS 4278
or the withdrawn standard BS 529 Part 1. It may be necessary
to supplement this information for specific applications.
ALWAYS:
• Store and handle eyebolts correctly.
• Inspect eyebolts before use and before placing into storage.
• Select the correct pattern eyebolt for the application.
• Ensure that the eyebolt and tapped hole threads are
compatible and strong enough for the load.
• Correctly align the plane of the eye using shims where
necessary.
• Ensure that the collar is fully seated when hand tight.
NEVER:
• Use tommy bars, grips or wrenches to tighten eyebolts.
• Use dynamo eyebolts for angular loading.
• Use a single eyebolt to lift a load that is free to rotate.
• Reeve slings through the eyes, links or shackles fitted to pairs
of eyebolts.
• Force hooks or other fittings into the eye; they must fit freely.
• Shock load eyebolts.
Selecting the Correct Eyebolt
Eyebolts to BS 4278 are available in three standard types,
eyebolt with link, collar eyebolt and dynamo eyebolt. Select the
eyebolt to be used and plan the lift taking the following into
account:
Type of eyebolt - eyebolt with link for all general purpose
applications, collar eyebolt for most general duties, dynamo
eyebolt only where a truly axial load is guaranteed. (A collar
eyebolt fitted with a link through the eye must always be
considered as a collar eyebolt and not as an eyebolt with link.)
Capacity - (rating eyebolts for angular loading) It is necessary to
reduce the SWL by the following factors when using eyebolts
with two leg slings:
Included angle α of sling legs
Type of eyebolt 0<α≤30 30<α≤60 60<α≤90
Eyebolt with link 1.0 0.8 0.63
Collar eyebolt 0.63 0.4 0.25
Storing and Handling Eyebolts
Never return damaged eyebolts to storage. They should be dry,
clean and protected from corrosion. Care must be taken to
protect threads from damage whilst in store.
Where possible use removable plugs to exclude debris from
tapped holes.
Using Eyebolts Safely
Do not attempt lifting operations unless you understand the use
and limitations to use of the equipment, the slinging procedures
and the mode factors to be applied.
Do not use defective eyebolts. Check the thread of both the
eyebolt and hole, ensure they are compatible, fully formed, of
sufficient length, undamaged and clear of any debris which may
prevent proper engagement.
Ensure the contact surface around the hole is flat, clean and
perpendicular to the thread axis. Tighten the eyebolt down
firmly by hand. The eye must be in the correct plane and the
collar must sit evenly on the contact surface. Use shims but do
not machine the collar or over tighten to achieve this.
A hook may be engaged directly into the eye of a dynamo
eyebolt or the link of an eyebolt with link. Collar eyebolts must
be fitted with a shackle or link to accept hooks. The hooks must
fit freely so do not wedge or force them into position.
Never reeve a sling through the eyes, links or shackles fitted to
eyebolts used in pairs as this will impose a severe resultant
load to the eyebolts.
Dynamo eyebolts must only be used for axial loading. When
using eyebolts with multi-leg slings use eyebolts with links or
collar eyebolts taking care to de-rate them correctly for angular
loading conditions.
Where a single eyebolt is used, use a swivel or swivel hook to
prevent the eyebolt unscrewing.
In-service Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance requirements are minimal. Keep eyebolts clean,
protect from corrosion and protect threads from damage. Do not
attempt to straighten bent eyebolts or re-cut threads.
Regularly inspect eyebolts and, in the event of the following
defects, refer the eyebolt to a Competent Person for thorough
examination: illegible markings; distortion; worn, or bent shanks
and threads; incomplete or incorrectly formed threads;
damaged eyes; nicks, gouges, cracks, corrosion or other
defects.
© Lifting Equipment Engineers Association 2004 SI No. 7.3
Further information is given in:
HSE Guidance Note PM 16 – Eyebolts
* The Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment,
published by:
LIFTING EQUIPMENT ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION
3, Osprey Court, Kingfisher Way,
Hinchingbrooke Business Park, Huntingdon PE29 6FN
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 (0) 1480 432801
Fax: + 44 (0) 1480 436314
E-mail: mail@leea.co.uk
 GENERAL PURPOSE SLINGING PRACTICE
The following information is based on Section 1 - Appendix 1.5
of the LEEA Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting
Equipment.* It should be read in conjunction with the
instructions for the safe use, given overleaf, of which it forms an
integral part and with any specific instructions issued by the
supplier.
This information is of a general nature only covering the main
points for the safe use of various types of slings for general
lifting purposes.
ALWAYS:
• Plan the lift, establish the weight of the load and prepare the
landing area ensuring that it will take the weight.
• Check slings and equipment are free of damage, use
slings/slinging methods suitable for the load and protect
slings from sharp edges and corners.
• Attach the sling securely to the load and appliance and
position hooks to face outwards.
• Ensure the load is balanced and will not tilt or fall.
• Keep fingers, toes etc clear when tensioning slings and when
landing loads.
• Ensure that the load is free to be lifted.
• Make a trial lift and trial lower.
NEVER:
• Use damaged slings or accessories.
• Twist, knot or tie slings.
• Hammer slings into position.
• Overload slings due to the weight of the load or the mode of
use.
• Trap slings when landing the load.
• Drag slings over floors etc or attempt to pull trapped slings
from under loads.
• Allow personnel to ride on loads.
Sling Configurations and Rating
Slings are available in single, two, three and four leg or endless
form. In practice it will be found that chain, wire rope and fibre
rope slings are available in any of these configurations but that
flat woven webbing is limited to single leg and endless whilst
roundslings are only supplied in endless form. The maximum
load that a sling may lift in use will be governed by the slinging
arrangement (mode of use) and may vary from the marked
SWL.** In the case of textile slings the SWL for the various
modes of use is usually given on the information label. In other
cases it is necessary to multiply the marked SWL by a mode
factor.***
The following three simple rules will ensure that the sling is not
overloaded. In some cases this will mean that the sling will be
under utilised although this is unlikely to hinder the user unduly.
Where the maximum utilisation is required reference should be
made to a Competent Person who understands the factors
involved and who can perform the necessary calculations.
(1) For straight lift never exceed the marked SWL and in the
case of multi-leg slings the specified angle or range of
angles.
(2) When using slings in choke hitch multiply the marked SWL
by 0.8 to obtain the reduced maximum load the sling may
lift ie reduce the safe working load by 20%.
(3) With multi-leg slings, when using less than the full number
of legs, reduce the maximum load in proportion to the
number of legs in use. Simply multiply the marked SWL by
the number of legs in use expressed as a fraction of the
total thus: one leg of a two leg sling = ½ marked SWL,
three legs of a four leg sling = ¾ marked SWL and so on.
Operative Training
Slings should only be used by trained operatives who
understand the methods of rating and application of mode
factors.****
Safe use of Slings
o Good slinging practice must ensure that the load is as safe
and secure in the air as it was on the ground and that no
harm is done to the load, lifting equipment, other property or
persons.
o Establish the weight of the load, ensure the lifting method is
suitable and inspect the sling and attachments for obvious
defects. Prepare the landing area making sure the floor is
strong enough to take the load. Follow any specific
instructions from the supplier.
o Ensure the lifting point is over the centre of gravity. Any loose
parts of the load should be removed or secured. Secure the
sling firmly to the load by hooks onto lifting points or shackles
etc. The sling must not be twisted, knotted or kinked in any
way.
o Use packing to prevent damage to the sling from corners or
edges and to protect the load.
o Do not exceed the SWL or rated angle. Any choke angle
must not exceed 120° and any basket 90°.
o Do not hammer, force or wedge slings or accessories into
position; they must fit freely.
o When attaching more than one sling to the hook of the
appliance use a shackle to join the slings and avoid
overcrowding the hook.
o Use an established code of signals to instruct the crane
driver.
o Ensure the load is free to be lifted and not, for example,
bolted down.
o Check that there are no overhead obstacles such as power
lines.
o Keep fingers, toes etc clear ensuring they do not become
trapped when lifting, lowering or controlling loads.
o Make a trial lift by raising the load a little to ensure it is
balanced, stable and secure and if not lower it and adjust the
slinging arrangement.
o Where appropriate use tag lines to control the load.
o Except where special provision is made, do not allow anyone
to pass under or ride upon the load. The area should be kept
clear.
o Make a trial set down, ensure the sling will not become
trapped and the load will not tip when the slings are released.
Use supports which are strong enough to sustain the load
without crushing.
o Never drag slings over floors etc or attempt to drag a trapped
sling from under a load.
o Never use a sling to drag a load.
o Place the hooks of free legs back onto the master link and
take care to ensure that empty hooks do not become
accidentally engaged.
o Never use slings in contact with chemicals or heat without the
manufacturers approval.
o Never use damaged or contaminated slings.
o On completion of the lift return all equipment to proper
storage.
Further information is given in:
* LEEA Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting
Equipment.
** BS 6166 Part 1 - Lifting Slings, Methods of Rating.
*** BS 6166 Part 3 - Selection and Safe Use of Lifting Slings
for Multi-purposes.
**** HSE Guidance Note GS39 - Training of Crane Drivers and
Slingers.
Various British Standards covering individual products.
SI GSP 1.1 (2000)